Official Story
On 17 October 2026, Couture Fashion Night returned to The Dolder Grand in Zürich for its fourth edition, bringing together Swiss and international fashion designers, artists, models and creative professionals for a day of runway presentations, exhibitions and encounters.
Founded in 2024 by fashion designer Ketty Núñez and luxury marketing professional Prat Das Kanungo from Zürich Influencers, Couture Fashion Night has developed into a platform connecting contemporary fashion with the wider creative and luxury community in Switzerland.
The fourth edition brought together different interpretations of fashion, from elaborate bridal couture to experimental silhouettes, artistic textiles, contemporary ready-to-wear and accessories.
A Programme Across Two Runway Sessions
The official programme was divided into afternoon and evening presentations, accompanied by an exhibition featuring designers, creative projects and participating luxury brands.
The afternoon session introduced collections by Gertrudis Adenauer of SIERRA Zürich, Maria Marthaler Palaco of MAKUMAYU, Dorentina Medunjanin of PERRANDOR and Atelier Jennifer Gehr, according to the backstage running order.
The evening programme included Jean Luc Amsler, Céline Surdez of Pardessus19, Inese Kamarūte of DOBRZANSKA, Kathia Dobó, Mejor Francisco and Ketty Núñez of Kenu Boutique.
Across the collections, designers explored different approaches to material, construction and visual expression.
Bridalwear offered structured bodices, elaborate skirts and intricate detailing. Other presentations introduced unexpected proportions, decorative surfaces, strong accessories and more experimental forms.
Alongside the runway, participating artists and exhibitors presented their work in a setting that encouraged encounters between fashion, art and business.
Fashion Beyond the Catwalk
The Dolder Grand provided a distinctive setting for the fourth edition. Its architectural character, art-filled interiors and hospitality spaces extended the event beyond the runway presentations.
The programme brought together designers, models, photographers, media representatives and guests, allowing the collections to be experienced within a broader creative and social environment.
Couture Fashion Night 4.0 reflected the role independent fashion events can play in connecting different creative disciplines and encouraging new professional relationships in Zürich.
My Editorial Experience
Arriving at The Dolder Grand
My visit to Couture Fashion Night 4.0 began with the journey aboard the Dolderbahn, the funicular connecting Zürich with the hillside where The Dolder Grand is located.
An access route brought us into the hotel, where I arrived with my friend Charlie from Digital News Fashion shortly before the evening runway presentations.
The room was already crowded. Finding a suitable position was difficult, but we eventually managed to secure seats among the guests surrounding the runway.
The proximity between models and audience made the presentations particularly engaging. Garments passed only a short distance from the spectators, allowing the movement, detailing and construction of the different looks to be observed closely.
Francesca Chiara Rothenbühler — A Special Encounter
Among the models who stood out at Couture Fashion Night 4.0 was Francesca Chiara Rothenbühler, professionally known as Chesca. Particularly sought after during the event, she participated in presentations for several designers, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt to different creative styles.
Beyond the runway, I particularly appreciated her kindness and generosity. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to help me understand the programme and the different collections.
Her modelling career continues to develop internationally, with Mallorca Fashion Week among her next engagements, followed by a competition in China later this year.
With a growing presence at international fashion events alongside her medical studies, Francesca represents an interesting combination of professional ambition and determination.
Her journey deserves a story of its own, which I look forward to exploring in a dedicated Palomino Magazine portrait.
People, Art and Conversations
Beyond the runway, the event offered numerous opportunities to meet people involved in fashion, art, business and creative projects.
During the intervals, conversations developed naturally among guests, designers, photographers and other participants.
The exhibition and VIP hospitality areas created further opportunities to discover projects and exchange ideas.
I particularly appreciated the personal welcome from Prat Das Kanungo, one of the founders of Couture Fashion Night. It was a pleasure to return to this event and experience the hospitality surrounding the evening.
Among the encounters and familiar faces were Dr Ruslana Ilina, Sarah-Louisa Rohrer and Roger Müller, known as Dr Roger The Gentleman.
These moments also provided an opportunity to reconnect with people I had met at previous events and continue developing relationships within Zürich’s creative community.
Content creators such as BEKISBACK contributed another perspective through short-form videos and interviews, reflecting the different ways fashion events are now documented and shared.
Yet some of the most memorable moments were the simplest: conversations between presentations, introductions to new people and the opportunity to discover the work and interests of those attending.
A Glimpse Behind the Runway
While moving through the venue during the evening, I briefly passed through a backstage area.
The atmosphere contrasted with the composed presentations taking place in front of the audience.
Models and members of the event team were preparing, waiting and moving between tasks.
These moments provided a reminder of the organisation and coordination required to present a collection.
Behind each appearance on the runway is the work of many people whose contribution is rarely visible in the finished photographs.
The Palomino Perspective
Couture Fashion Night 4.0 was memorable for more than its setting or the variety of collections presented.
It offered an opportunity to observe different creative approaches, appreciate the work behind the runway and spend time with people who contribute to Zürich’s fashion community.
Although the photographic conditions were not ideal, the experience reinforced something important about attending events in person.
A fashion show is not only the finished image of a garment. It is also its movement, the people who created it, those who present it and the encounters that take place around it.
These are the details that give a reportage its value.
My thanks to the organisers, designers, models and everyone who contributed to the occasion.
Palomino Gallery
